The Polytechnic University of Bari, in collaboration with the University of L’Aquila and the University of Pisa, took part in AITA 2025 – 18th International Workshop on Advanced Infrared Technology and Applications, held recently in Kobe, Japan. On this international stage, the team presented cutting-edge research in the field of sustainable materials for the automotive sector, within the framework of the national research projects CO-SMART and ECOFRIEND, both promoted by the National Centre for Sustainable Mobility (MOST) and funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) through the PNRR – NextGenerationEU programme.
The results of the study were presented by Professor Umberto Galietti, Full Professor of Machine Design at the Department of Mechanics, Mathematics and Management (DMMM) of the Polytechnic University of Bari, and one of the co-authors of the scientific publication entitled “Thermographic Evaluation of Thermophysical Properties in Bio-Based Foams for Automotive Interior Components”.
The research, developed in collaboration with the University of L’Aquila and the University of Pisa, investigates the use of bio-based polyurethane foams containing microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs)—derived from waste cooking oil—for the production of automotive interior components. A concrete example of how circular economy principles can be applied to mobility solutions.
Through the use of non-destructive thermographic techniques, the researchers analyzed the thermal properties of the materials developed within the project, comparing virgin foams with those enhanced with PCM. The results revealed significant differences in thermal behavior. In particular, the adopted methodology—step thermography in transmission mode—enabled a fast and full-field evaluation of foam performance. This innovative approach opens new avenues for estimating the PCM content and detecting phase change phenomena in sustainable polymers, based on the analysis of thermal images acquired via infrared cameras.
Participation in AITA 2025 represented a valuable opportunity for scientific exchange with the international research community and a chance to showcase Italy’s contributions in the field of advanced technologies.
The involvement of the Polytechnic University of Bari and the University of L’Aquila at AITA 2025, with researchers Giuseppe Dell’Avvocato, Ester D’Accardi —co-authors of the presented work— and Professor Umberto Galietti was a key moment for dialogue and collaboration. The initiative highlighted the role of Italian universities in tackling the challenges of more sustainable mobility, in line with the goals of CO-SMART, ECOFRIEND, and the National Centre for Sustainable Mobility (MOST).
